Cozy up with this ultra-creamy, cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole. Packed with tender shredded chicken, crisp broccoli, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping, it’s the ultimate easy, one-dish weeknight comfort food dinner the whole family will love.
There is nothing quite like a warm, bubbly casserole fresh out of the oven to bring everyone to the table. This Easy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole is the definition of comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and topped with that signature buttery crunch we all crave.
Best of all? It’s a true one-dish wonder, meaning you spend less time scrubbing pans and more time enjoying your evening.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Weeknight Friendly: Uses simple ingredients and comes together fast.
Kid-Approved: Even the pickiest eaters won't argue with broccoli when it's smothered in a rich cheese sauce.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day as leftovers!
Ingredients
For the Filling:
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works perfectly here!)
3 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces (fresh or thawed from frozen)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
½ cup milk
1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Crispy Topping:
1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed (about one sleeve)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Steam the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, place the florets in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water. Cover and microwave for 2 to 3 minutes just until slightly tender but still bright green. Drain well. (If using frozen, ensure it is completely thawed and patted dry).
Mix the Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Combine: Fold the shredded chicken and steamed broccoli into the cream sauce until everything is beautifully coated. Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
Make the Crunchy Topping: In a small bowl, toss the crushed Ritz crackers and Parmesan cheese with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Scatter this mixture generously over the casserole.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are bubbling dynamically and the cracker topping has turned a gorgeous, deep golden brown.
Serve: Let it cool for about 5 minutes before scooping. Garnish with fresh parsley if you want a pop of color, and dive in!
Chef's Tips & Variations
Add Some Carbs: Want to stretch this meal even further? Stir in 2 cups of cooked white rice or cooked pasta (like penne or rotini) right into the mix before baking.
Lighten It Up: You can use low-fat sour cream, skim milk, and a reduced-sodium cream soup to keep things on the lighter side without sacrificing that cozy texture.
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